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The 38th anniversary of the Kumudini Boat Massacre was solemnly observed on Delft Island today, as people gathered to remember the 36 Tamils who were killed by Sri Lankan naval officers.
On May 15 1985, six plain clothed Navy officers boarded the Kumuthini boat and pointed a gun at passengers before ordering them to come up to the main deck one by one and shout their name and destination. Each passenger was then hacked to death.
The commemoration took place at the monument erected in memory of the massacre, situated near the jetty on Delft Island.
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Religious observances were held at the St. Xavier Church and Veerapathra Pillaiyar Kovil, offering prayers and seeking solace for the souls of the departed. Additionally, a book of poignant poetry titled "Blood's Rumble" (?????????? ??????????) authored by Pasuntivu Rudran was unveiled during the commemorative event, serving as a literary tribute to the victims.
Relatives of the victims, along with religious leaders and members of the general public, laid flowers at a memorial dedicated to the victims who were murdered.
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It is notable that this commemoration coincided with the remembrance of the tens of thousands of Tamils that were massacred by the Sri Lankan state's forces during the final stages of the armed conflict in May 2009.
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